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Wednesday August 26, 2020
The Sun
one on one with the Sun
Filming the people of the land Sun Reporter Frances Chin speaks to local filmmaker and Loud Noise Media owner, Keelan Walker, about how he got into film, and his involvement with the Top of the South Film Festival. Keelan Walker is a well established figure in the Marlborough film-making scene. It’s hard to believe that he got into the industry “purely on accident.” The son of a sheep-shearer, Keelan grew up in Blenheim and Kekerengu, and attended Ward School and Marlborough Boys’ College. Despite always dreaming of making films, when it was time to pick a career, Keelan couldn’t find a way to study film at a tertiary level. “When I went away to study, I was prevented from following my dream through, as film cameras weren’t as accessible or affordable back then. “I ended up studying web development.” Post-graduation, Keelan moved overseas. Twelve years later, after living in the United States, Japan, Australia, England and Brazil, Keelan decided it was time to come home, and to “consider something a bit more serious.” It was working as a communications advisor for Rangitāne o Wairau that got Keelan involved in film. Having to use a camera for work, Keelan got involved in the local film club, where he met directors Aaron Falvey and Stu McCormick. Keelan credits Aaron and Stu with helping him “learn the ropes” of film making. As he could see that web design was veering more towards video, Keelan decided to devote more time to film. After filming kaumatua Ivan Neame floundering, the filmmaker started to develop an interest in documentary— specifically, capturing iwi stories and narratives on film. “I have a keen interest in some of the iwi narrative, being that it’s my own heritage, and I have a connection to the land through whakapapa and iwi.” “A lot of stories need to be told and made accessible to iwi and the wider community.” Eventually Keelan went out on his own and started his multimedia company Loud Noise Media. As he was a relatively unknown filmmaker at the time, Keelan says
Local film-maker Keelan Walker will have two films playing in November's Top of the South Film Festival.
that local iwi approaching him and allowing him to tell their stories was an opportunity for him - and an investment for them. “Some of these opportunities were provided by local iwi as an investment by them. They hired me to help record a narrative for their stories. “As I was not really well known at the time, I was able to develop. “I consider myself lucky to be able to tell stories on their behalf. It’s very fulfilling and satisfying.” Two of Keelan’s films will play in Top of the South Film Festival in November. The first, ‘Tuia250 ki Totaranui,’ is a documentary capturing the local Tuia250 celebrations of October to December 2019. Originally 25 minutes in length, the film is an hour long, and includes interviews of locals and aerial footage of the event.
“There was too much good footage to leave out,” Keelan says. “In 50 years time, someone can look at it and see some of their relations, or their own face as a kid.” Another short film by Keelan will play at the festival. The film documents the lives of Kurahaupō iwi in Marlborough. These artists still live in the reflection of their ancestors, and practice traditional art from years before. “To be able to tell stories, and revitalise, record, and preserve them, that is an important thing for me and iwi in this area.” Style wise, Keelan credits director of photography for the Revenant, Emmanuel Lubezki, as a cinematic influence. “The cinematographer uses natural light and wide landscapes in his work; similar to Keelan, who says that the Marlborough landscape is
a huge influence on him. “I’m a big fan of filming at Lake Rotoiti. It’s probably my favourite place to film. It never gets old, and changes with the season. I could go there every day to take photos, and find something new to film. “I film a lot at the Wairau bar. I probably go there two to three times a week. “I take the same photos hoping to capture something different each time. “Sometimes you get that. You can capture light at different time of days, and use it to tell stories. “I’m always looking for shots to match to traditional stories/ korero. “If you’re lucky you can get that special shot. You can shoot the same things over and over, and they’re always different.” The filmmaker says that his 12 years of travelling contributed to
his appreciation of Marlborough. “Seeing what other people have, worked to lead me to a path coming home.” “When I was 20 this was the last place I wanted to be. Now it’s the only place, because of family connection, iwi affiliations, and whakapapa. “There’s something here for me. And I’ve been lucky enough to forge a living out of it.” The Top of the South Film Festival will take place on Saturday November 14, at 6pm. Held at the ASB Theatre, the festival will showcase work by aspiring regional filmmakers from Nelson, Tasman, Kaikoura, and Marlborough. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through eventfinder.com. All profits will be given to Top of the South Film Production Society.